Sailor gets two-year drug ban
The independent tribunal headed by lawyer John Gleeson, which found Sailor guilty, informed him and the ARU of its decision yesterday.
Sailor tested positive for cocaine after playing for the NSW Waratahs in a Super 14 match against the ACT Brumbies on April 16 and was informed of the positive result on May 12.
Sailor, 32, is prohibited from playing any sport which subscribes to Australian and international anti-doping regulations until 2008, effectively ruling out a move to Britain or New Zealand in either rugby union or league.
The ARU had been legally restrained from commenting on Sailor’s case up until the tribunal’s findings, but chief executive Gary Flowers issued a statement terminating the former rugby league international’s playing contract, which was due to expire at the end of next year.
“Wendell Sailor’s behaviour has been extremely disappointing and we have no hesitation in terminating his contract,” Flowers said.
Flowers said Sailor had not denied taking cocaine.
He has seven days to appeal.
Sailor made no comment and his manager also declined comment.
Flowers condemned Sailor’s behaviour throughout his ARU contract, which was due to expire at the end of next year.
“Wendell Sailor has tested positive to a metabolite of cocaine which is a prohibited substance under the WADA code,” he said, referring to the World Anti-Doping Agency.
“His actions have been nothing short of irresponsible. He already had a track record for poor behaviour which had seen him called in front of ARU and Wallaby team disciplinary committees on several occasions.”
Earlier this year Sailor was sent home from South Africa by the Waratahs for a late-night indiscretion at a nightclub and was subsequently suspended.
“Our anti-doping laws are made very clear to every sportsman and woman signing on with Australian Rugby Union,” Flowers said.
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